Creative English Teacher — Encouragement

We are the midst of a historic event. Now that many states are shutting down schools and looking at online teaching options, there are many swirling questions about education: When will we go back to school? How will learning continue in the meantime?  I feel for the high-school students who have to face the possibility of missing proms, sporting events, performances, and graduations. As troubling as all this uncertainty is, here is an encouraging thought:  Historic events like this one tend to reshape how we view our world and each other. Many previous generations have been defined by the obstacles they...

Recently, I was asked to write up my philosophy of education. I hadn't done this since my college days. (You know, before I knew anything about teaching!) Needless to say, a few things have changed about my philosophy. To structure my philosophy, I used the three messages on my classroom podium, but I have to give credit where credit is due. Those messages were created by my wife, who has them in her classroom as well. (I'm a copycat.) So here is my philosophy of teaching. Hopefully, it will reinforce in your mind what an important job we have as teachers! Across...